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ABSTRACT
Sexual dysfunction is the difficulty in normal sexual activity. This dysfunction can be a decrease in sex drive, loss of libido, or difficulty performing sexual intercourse. Anthocleista djalonensis belongs to the family, Gentianaceae, and it is generally called “cabbage tree” in English Language. The traditional medicinal uses of Anthocleista djalonensis is in the treatment of fever, constipation, stomach ache, inflammatory diseases, wounds, etc. This study was aimed at determining the histopathological effect of the ethanolic stem extract of Anthocleista djalonensis on the heart of paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats, as well as some lipid profile parameters and antioxidant property of the extract. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were used for this study and grouped accordingly. The animals were fed and administered the plant extract, standard drug and paroxetine for 21 days. Group 1 was the control group that received only feed, while group 2 and 3 received ethanolic stem extract of Anthocleista djalonensis at graded doses. Group 4 received Tadalafil, while group 5 was untreated. Sexual dysfunction was induced in all the groups with paroxetine. Analysis of biochemical and histopathological parameters were carried out using standard methods. Results obtained from the study showed a non-significant change (P>0.05) in LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol level in group 2 and 3 that received 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg B.Wt of extract when compared with the control group. A non-significant increase (P>0.05) in LDL was observed in the group that received 200mg/kg B.Wt of extract when compared with the control. A significant decrease (P<0.05) in total cholesterol in all the test groups was observed when compared with the control. A significant decrease (P<0.05) in MDA in all the test groups when compared to the control was observed, while a non-significant decrease (P>0.05) in SOD activity in the groups that received 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg B,Wt of plant extract was observed. Histopathological study of the heart showed no abnormalities in test and control groups. From this study, it shows that ethanolic stem extract of Anthocleista djalonensis has antioxidant activity, but the increase in LDL at a dose of 200mg/kg B.Wt could indicate that the extract is harmful at higher doses. x Further work should be done to improve the effect of Anthocleista djalonensis on male sex hormones.
